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Neck pain
Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. There are things you can do yourself to ease it, but see a GP if it does not go away.
How you can ease neck pain yourself
Do
take paracetamol or ibuprofen – or use ibuprofen gel on your neck
use a low, firm pillow
put heat or cold packs on your neck
try neck exercises
Don’t
do not wear a neck collar – it's better to keep your neck moving (unless a doctor tells you not to)
do not do anything that could be dangerous because you cannot move your neck – for example, driving or cycling
Putting heat or cold packs on your neck
Non-urgent advice:
See a GP if:
pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks
painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen have not worked
you're worried about the pain
you have other symptoms, like pins and needles or a cold arm – this could be something more serious
Information:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: how to contact a GP
It's still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery:
visit their website
use the NHS App
call them
Find out about using the NHS during COVID-19
What can cause neck pain
The most common causes are:
the neck becoming locked in an awkward position while sleeping
bad posture – for example, when sitting at a desk for a long time
a pinched nerve
an injury – for example, whiplash from a traffic accident or fall
How you can prevent neck pain
Do
when sleeping, make sure your head is the same height as the rest of your body
have a firm mattress
sit upright – roll your shoulders back gently and bring your neck back
Don’t
do not keep your neck in the same position for a long time – for example, when sitting at a desk
do not sleep on your front
do not twist your neck when you're in bed
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Page last reviewed: 19 May 2020
Next review due: 19 May 2023
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